Try something new today... first ever GP surgery in supermarket opens at Sainsbury's

Try something new today... first ever GP surgery in supermarket opens at Sainsbury's

Last updated at 09:14 05 March 2008

A GP's surgery has been set up in a supermarket for the first time. The centre is being run in a Sainsbury's store for a six-month trial, opening four evenings a week and on Saturdays.

Doctors from nearby surgeries are taking on the work alongside their existing jobs and will be based in a consultation room at the supermarket's in-store pharmacy with full access to patients' records.

They will be able to refer people on for more treatment as well as prescribing medicine and updating their notes.

GP Dr Mohammed Jiva said: "Patients' needs are changing and so it's important that we find ways to provide a more flexible and convenient service.

"A number of practices in the local area have already come on board and once demand increases, we will be looking to roll this out further."

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Shoppers will be able to see their GP as well as pick up their shopping at the Manchester store

Sainsbury's chief executive Justin King said: "This is a groundbreaking partnership that supports the Government's wider aims to make health care more accessible.

"As a major retailer we are in a good position to contribute to this objective by offering GPs and their patients a convenient, safe and secure location for the provision of routine care."

The surgery in Heaton Park, Manchester, is the first phase of a £126,000 pilot by Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale primary care trust to provide extended hours medical care.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson is calling on GPs to work an average of three hours extra per week for every 6,000 patients, but the British Medical Association says this is too rigid and is offering two hours at more flexible times.